[Marvel : The God Of Punishment] Chapter 51 - 55

Chapter 51: The First Battle of New York: The Battle for Hearts and Minds

On the seventh floor of the Financial Building, inside a spacious conference room, Kingpin and the Snakeroot Priests had gathered to monitor the unfolding chaos.

The Five Fingers were conspicuously absent.

All eyes remained fixed on the battle below. As they witnessed Daredevil single-handedly decimating his opponents, satisfied smiles spread across their faces.

The white-haired elder of the Snakeroot Priests sneered triumphantly. "The Shadow Realm approaches, and these mortals cannot resist the Beast Lord's will! They shall all become slaves to my God!"

One of the older priests glanced cautiously toward Kingpin and lowered his voice. "Alexandra and the others haven't returned. I wonder what they're planning."

The white-haired elder continued watching Daredevil's rampage thoughtfully before shaking his head. "I've long suspected their conspiracy. But it matters not—we serve the Beast God faithfully. Soon, his power will engulf all of Manhattan, and absolute authority shall be ours! Though the Five Fingers nominally lead the Hand, they must ultimately bow to Snakeroot's command!"

The others nodded in agreement.

None noticed that during their clandestine conversation, Kingpin had quietly slipped away.

He entered an adjacent room where a man in an immaculate blue suit awaited him.

"Izanami," Kingpin immediately inquired, "where are the Five Fingers?"

The suited man shook his head. "Unknown. In all my years of infiltration, I've only discovered vague references to some hidden chamber within this building. But its entrance eludes me."

Kingpin's brow furrowed. "You're suggesting they're concealing something?"

Izanami shook his head. "Not 'concealing'—this place holds tremendous importance. It appears directly connected to their resurrection techniques, though specifics remain unclear."

Kingpin nodded thoughtfully. Izanami had been his embedded operative within the Hand for years, providing invaluable intelligence about the Five Fingers. Without such inside information, he would never have risked collaboration with them.

"The relationship between the Five Fingers and Snakeroot is more adversarial than they portray?"

"Indeed. Snakeroot safeguards many Hand secrets, earning reverence from the Five Fingers despite lacking direct authority. Snakeroot has long coveted leadership, but the Five Fingers deemed them too ambitious, withholding support for the Beast's summoning. Everything changed a year ago when Alexandra somehow accessed Snakeroot's secret vault. Whatever she discovered inside prompted immediate preparations for the Beast's arrival ceremony."

Kingpin's lips curled into a contemptuous sneer. "So Madam Gao's tale about avenging the Hand's losses against Hell’s Butcher was pure fabrication!"

Izanami nodded silently.

After a moment's reflection, Kingpin said, "We'll deal with that later. Is your intelligence about controlling the Beast reliable?"

"Absolutely! When Snakeroot performed the ritual, they declared 'the beast is the supreme ruler,' but they've implemented means to control the possessed vessel! It's the red ghost mask they carry! With it, one commands the demonized Daredevil! The Snakeroot Priests aspire not to serve the Beast, but to master it! That's the true source of their conflict with the Five Fingers!"

Kingpin nodded thoughtfully. "If I can discern Snakeroot's machinations, surely the Five Fingers have as well. They invited me into this scheme merely as a counterweight against Snakeroot—checks and balances that facilitate their own agenda."

Izanami agreed. "But the Five Fingers may remain unaware that the priests can control the demonized Daredevil!"

Kingpin smiled, cold calculation flashing behind his eyes. "What a delightful quagmire! Victory, it seems, shall belong to whoever demonstrates superior cunning."

Izanami returned the smile. "The ultimate victor remains uncertain, but Snakeroot shall certainly fall first! Those pompous scholars have spent too many years in luxury studying ancient texts—their schemes are embarrassingly transparent!"

Kingpin chuckled appreciatively. "Very well, Izanami. Go teach them a lesson. Once you've secured the red ghost mask, we'll uncover whatever conspiracy the Five Fingers have set in motion!"

"As you wish."

...

Deep beneath the city lay a vast subterranean chamber.

An enormous stone door stood imposingly upright.

The Five Fingers assembled before this ancient barrier. Behind them, Elektra maintained a posture of respectful submission. The stone surface now rippled with energy—golden power and black force locked in violent opposition.

The Five Fingers watched intently, their wide eyes, clenched fists, and rigid postures betraying profound tension.

"Will it succeed?"

"Yes! The Beast's power is incredibly corrosive—it will breach this stone door!"

"The first Iron Fist's seal is remarkably potent. We've exhausted every method over the years without success. The Beast God's power represents our final hope!"

"And if it fails? This operation's might be discovered at any moment!"

"Why the panic? Haven't we excavated a secondary escape route? If the elevator shaft is compromised, demolish it! It's already served its purpose!"

"Enough bickering!"

Alexandra silenced them with an authoritative gesture. "If the Beast's power proves insufficient, we'll temporarily withdraw and await the current Iron Fist's departure from K'un-Lun. But remember—few dragon bones remain outside Kunlun Mountain. Considering the resources expended resurrecting Murakami and Sowande, the five of us may not endure until then!"

Murakami and Sowande shifted uncomfortably at this reference.

"Our demise was hardly our fault. None anticipated Hell’s Butcher's extraordinary power."

"And that incompetent Kingpin—allowing two traitors among his team! Utterly worthless!"

As they argued, the energies battling at the stone door shifted dramatically.

Black demonic power began overwhelming the golden barrier.

With a resonant "CRACK," a fissure appeared in the ancient stone.

"It's opening!"

"Magnificent!"

"A complete dragon skeleton lies within! Enough to sustain us for millennia!"

The five advanced and shattered the weakened door with several focused strikes. A colossal dragon skeleton materialized before them.

At that precise moment, a dull impact echoed from the elevator shaft behind them.

The elevator doors exploded outward from a single devastating punch as two figures—one male, one female—emerged from the smoke.

Jason.

Surveying the scene, he smiled cheerfully. "Greetings, everyone! So this is where you've been hiding! Well, hello there, Murakami-san and Sowande-san! Finding hell too uncomfortable, so you've returned to the mortal realm? Why not flee while you can? But here you are meeting me again, and I'll happily arrange your return journey!"

His gaze shifted past them. "This must be the legendary dragon bone!"

"Who are you?"

Without his mask, they failed to recognize him immediately.

An arc of electricity danced at Jason's fingertips, and recognition dawned in their eyes. "Iron Man! You're still alive! How did you locate this chamber?"

Jason glanced toward Alexandra, who had posed the question. "My lovely Alessa provided directions, of course."

Only then did Madam Gao notice the figure half-concealed behind him.

She immediately erupted in rage. "Alessa! How dare you betray me!"

Jason's expression hardened instantly. "Old witch, address her in that tone again, and I'll tear out your tongue!"

Alexandra's face darkened with fury.

"How did you evade the Black Wolf Spider?"

He met her glare without flinching.

"I didn't evade him. I ended him. There's a difference."

As if on cue, a system notification chimed:

[Black Wolf Spider eliminated. Five-star gold-level package acquired.]

Before Jason could examine the reward, Madam Gao barked her command: "Elektra, kill them!"

Chapter 52: The First Battle of New York: Dragon Marrow and Dragon Breath

As soon as the words left his mouth, the slender female assassin who had been silently waiting in the shadows lunged forward with the deadly grace of a cheetah! The sharp steel fork in her hand shot straight for Jason's throat!

Unfortunately for her, this was no longer the same Jason she had cornered in the underground parking garage. When the steel fork came within striking distance, he snatched it from the air with lightning-fast reflexes. A tremendous force traveled along the weapon's shaft into Erica's arm, violently yanking her forward.

In one fluid motion, Jason delivered a precise strike to the back of her head. The silver-level assassin crumpled unconscious to the ground.

He turned to Alessa with a calculating look. "Do you know the Hand's brainwashing control technique?"

Alessa nodded firmly. "I do."

"Excellent," Jason said, tossing Erica's limp form toward her. "From now on, she'll serve as your subordinate. The two of you will help me take control of the Hand."

"Yes!"

“Baka. You’re underestimating us.” Murakami stepped forward, his English laced with a distinct accent, every word sharp with warning.

Jason gave him a dismissive glance. "I've killed you once already. Why should I consider you worthy of my attention now?"

"Hahaha..." Murakami erupted into laughter, an unsettling gleam of joy in his eyes. "Out in the world, perhaps I wouldn't stand a chance against you! But here? Here we have an entire dragon skeleton!"

As he spoke, he approached the massive dragon bones and extended his hand. "I spent thirty years studying martial arts in K'un-Lun, and not just combat techniques. I learned to harness dragon chi! In this world, no one understands it better than us—except perhaps the Iron Fist himself. These dragon bones contain immense power. Even if I can only control one percent of it, that's more than enough to destroy you!"

Murakami's face flushed with exertion as a golden orb of dragon chi emerged from the skeleton, floating slowly toward him as if being drawn by an invisible force. The process appeared strenuous; beads of sweat formed on his brow.

Jason yawned theatrically. "So when you talk about controlling dragon chi, you mean something like... this?"

With those words, he extended his arm. Instantly, his entire limb transformed, glowing bright red like freshly forged iron. The dragon chi that Murakami had struggled so hard to summon suddenly reversed course—like a stream returning to the ocean—rushing directly toward Jason and merging seamlessly with his body!

The five members of the Hand's leadership stared in open-mouthed shock.

"How is this possible?"

"Is he the current Iron Fist?"

"Impossible! The current Iron Fist remains on the mountain!"

"Some kind of rogue Iron Fist?"

Alexandra's worldview shattered before her eyes. "Who are you?"

"The Punisher, Hell’s Butcher, Iron Man, Thor—call me whatever you like," Jason shrugged. "I'll collect many more names in the future. But right now, shouldn't you be preparing to die?"

The five leaders exchanged uneasy glances.

Dragon bones represented their lifelong obsession. After a century of searching and a decade of planning, they weren't about to surrender so easily.

Murakami's expression hardened. "Everyone, let's combine our strength to absorb the dragon chi and fight to the death! Even if he is somehow connected to the Iron Fist, he can't defeat all of us together!"

The five exchanged knowing looks before stepping back in unison, channeling their collective power.

True to the saying, unity is strength. Massive waves of dragon chi separated from the skeleton, illuminating the entire cavern with golden light.

They hadn't witnessed such concentrated dragon chi in years. Their eyes shone with fanatical excitement.

"Such power! Incredible power!"

"With this, we could even return to K’un-Lun! Shou-Lao is dead—nothing remains that can stand in our way!"

"I feel younger already! I can wield my dragon staff once more!"

Jason rolled his eyes. Lunatics, all of them.

He extended his hand again, and once more, the dragon chi abandoned them, flying toward him instead.

"No! What are you doing?!"

"Release it! Give it back!"

"Attack him! Kill him now!"

Four of the five leaders charged forward. Jason's mind focused, condensing the dragon chi within his body. With a single punch, he released four shadowy fists composed of pure dragon chi. Each struck its target with devastating precision.

Their heads exploded like overripe melons, spraying the cavern walls with gore.

Jason turned his attention to Alexandra, who remained frozen in place. Interestingly, she had been the one shouting "Kill him!" yet she herself hadn't moved a muscle.

She dropped to her knees with a thud. "Give me access to the dragon chi, and I'll serve you as my master! If you want Lady Alessa to control the Hand, I will be your greatest asset!"

Jason glanced at his system interface. He had just received a silver-level gift package. Silver-level target: 0/7.

Killing her would create more room for the next gift package, but keeping her might be useful, he thought. It would indeed be challenging for Alessa and Elektra—fellow assassin—to control the entire Hand organization.

But sharing dragon chi? Absolutely not.

He beckoned to Alessa, then addressed Alexandra: "You just want immortality, don't you? No need to beg—I'll help you achieve it."

In the next instant, Alessa bit into her neck.

"Uh...uh..." Alexandra understood what was happening and didn't resist.

Stepping around them, Jason approached the enormous dragon skeleton. Even from a distance, he could feel an ancient, overwhelming aura radiating toward him.

The dragon chi already within his body surged with anticipation.

Earlier, he had obtained an ability upgrade card and had chosen to enhance his Electrokinesis ability without hesitation—a calculated gamble. He had wagered that the dragon bones underground might directly evolve the dragon chi in his body.

It seemed his bet had paid off!

His fingers touched the ancient bone, and he was about to absorb the remaining energy when a system notification appeared.

[System has detected residual dragon marrow. Do you wish to use your bloodline fusion card to assimilate it?]

Jason frowned. Residual dragon marrow? Bloodline fusion?

Of course!

After confirming with the system, he felt an extraordinary transformation sweep through his body. Massive amounts of dragon chi, wrapped in some mysterious essence, flooded into him. All his attributes skyrocketed, with strength and defense increasing most rapidly!

Soon, the fusion completed. Feeling the explosive power now contained within him, Jason realized he had undergone an unprecedented evolution.

He checked his system stats:

[Name: Jason
Age: 22
Bloodline: Mutated Blood Dragon Bloodline: Blood Slave, Daywalker Blood, Blood Scales
Status: Normal
Power: 323
Speed: 162
Defense: 284
Constitution: 203
Will: 159
Skills: Combat Master, Pistol Master, Assault Rifle Master, Trap Proficiency, Swimming Proficiency, Basketball Proficiency...
Abilities: Night Vision, Compound Eyes, Dragon chi: Burst, Infrared Vision, Electrokinesis...
Items: None
Instance: Locked
Alternate Universe: Locked
Main Task: Those who are guilty must be punished
Iron-tier target: 21/35
Bronze-tier Target: 9/59
Silver-level Target: 0/7
Gold-level Target: 0/3
Latest Mission: Platinum Hunt
Platinum-level Target: 0/1
Creed: Kill to gain redemption]

His normal strength now exceeded five tons. Combined with his enhanced Dragon chi: Burst ability, his maximum output surpassed ten tons!

More importantly, his defense rating had undergone a massive upgrade. What was once his weakest attribute had suddenly become his second strongest.

He mentally assessed his capabilities and realized that ordinary firearms would now struggle to penetrate his defenses. Only close-range shots from large-caliber sniper rifles or anti-material weapons might pose a serious threat.

Even if injured, his constitution of over 200 points would allow him to recover within minutes!

With the exception of his relatively lower speed and spirit attributes, his transformation was practically perfect. Judging by physical capabilities alone, he could now be considered a mini-Hulk!

But this wasn't the end of his windfall. He had just eliminated hundreds of Hand ninjas in two consecutive encounters, earning six bronze gift packages. He'd also received a reward for his 100-kill streak achievement: his first five-star gold gift package, plus the silver gift package he'd just obtained.

This battle was turning into quite the profitable venture.

Chapter 53: The First Battle of New York: Crazy Manhattan

Jason opened the bronze gift package.

[Congratulations on receiving the reward: Wilderness Survival Proficiency, Free Attribute Value: 14 points]

His 100-kill streak had also granted him an additional 100 attribute points.

Opening the Silver Gift Package, the system announced:

[Congratulations on receiving the reward: Breath-concealing technique]

The breath-concealing technique would allow him to mask his heartbeat, body temperature, and other biological signatures to a significant degree, making him far more difficult to detect! Not bad, though it would have been even better if he'd received something like spider-sense to help him dodge incoming attacks.

Finally, it was time for the grand prize—the gold-level gift package.

[Congratulations on receiving the reward: Soul Defense]

Well, I guess I'm prepared to face another psychic now? Jason thought wryly.

Though it wasn't an ability that directly enhanced his combat prowess, Soul Defense was an invaluable asset in the strange and complex Marvel universe where mental manipulation was all too common.

As Jason contemplated how to distribute his remaining 114 attribute points, he felt a sudden tremor beneath his feet.

Alexandra's eyes widened in alarm. "The power in the dragon bones is being depleted, and the surrounding geological structure is becoming unstable. Manhattan will likely experience a major earthquake!"

Jason immediately snapped to attention. "Let's move!"

Far from the Midtown Financial Building, in a towering skyscraper with a distant view of the square where Daredevil battled the Avengers, Nick Fury had established his temporary headquarters.

On the surveillance feeds, Daredevil maintained an overwhelming advantage in the conflict. Shrouded in a layer of dark energy, he exhibited enhanced strength and speed, while his Radar capability had been similarly amplified. He moved through the battle with unsettling ease, seemingly anticipating his opponents' movements before they even executed them.

Even sniper rounds fired from considerable distances were effortlessly evaded.

It was only thanks to these distant marksmen that Black Widow and her team had managed to hold out this long.

Fury had already contacted the state government. The National Guard was en route with tanks and artillery. He'd also authorized the deployment of classified high-tech weaponry that hadn't been intended for public knowledge—these too would arrive shortly.

This allowed him to sit somewhat calmly at his command station, sipping coffee to settle his nerves.

Watching the monitor as Wade was knocked backward yet again, Fury frowned.

Something felt off. Why did this demonically-enhanced Daredevil seem weaker than anticipated? Was he holding back, concealing some greater power?

Fury shook his head. Although the question nagged at him, he had committed all available resources to Daredevil's defeat. The truth would eventually come to light.

So focused was he on the square that he initially missed the tiny ripple that appeared on the surface of his coffee.

But soon, it became impossible to ignore.

The monitor in front of him suddenly shuddered, and he felt his body being pushed slightly.

"What the—"

His expression turning grave, Fury glanced at Agent Hill beside him. "Did you feel that?"

Disbelief registered on Hill's face. "Is that... an earthquake?"

After confirming they'd both experienced the same sensation, Fury immediately barked, "Goddammit! Why is New York having an earthquake now, of all times? Is it minor or are we looking at something serious?"

"I'll contact the U.S. Geological Survey immediately," Hill responded, already reaching for her comm unit.

The tremors intensified with each passing second. Everyone in the command center could feel the building swaying beneath them.

Yet bizarrely, the Geological Survey reported that all seismic monitoring systems showed normal activity.

Fury wanted to curse them out. I'm standing in a building that's shaking like a damn leaf, and you're telling me everything's normal? Incompetent bureaucrats!

With no other option, he ordered an immediate evacuation of the command center.

But his primary concern remained the confrontation in the square, where long-range snipers were now severely compromised by the tremors. The National Guard and specialized weapons he'd mobilized would likely be unable to reach their designated positions!

"Dammit!"

At that precise moment, Hill approached him with an even more disturbing report, her expression grave.

"Director, we have multiple reports of seemingly unrelated conflicts breaking out between agents and police officers along the first and second defensive perimeters."

Fury's blood ran cold—this was exactly what he'd feared might happen.

Taking a deep breath to center himself, he asked, "What exactly are we dealing with?"

Hill hesitated. "We've identified over a dozen similar incidents occurring throughout the surrounding blocks. It's as if some invisible force is slowly spreading outward."

She checked her earpiece. "Based on our observations, May, Ward, Rumlow, and others in the Avengers team..." She suddenly fell silent, pressing her hand against her comm unit, her face draining of color.

"What is it?" Fury asked, a sense of dread rising in his chest.

"Agent Barton just breached the first defensive line and opened fire on his own team. He's already taken down seven or eight officers!"

"GODDAMMIT!"

Fury's shout echoed through the command center.

This time, his dizziness had nothing to do with the trembling building.

Where's my pager? I need to make an emergency call!

In the meeting room on the seventh floor of the Financial Building, the Snakeroot priests who had been smugly plotting world domination now lay sprawled across the floor, unmoving.

Kingpin calmly picked up the red ghost mask from the ground, not bothering to spare a glance at the fallen conspirators.

What kind of amateur operation is this? he thought contemptuously. These fools actually believed they could rule the world?

I wouldn't even dare entertain such a grandiose fantasy!

Idiots, all of them, intoxicated by their own delusions of grandeur!

Beside him, Izanami grinned wickedly. "These guys, I served them a 'celebratory' drink, and they actually gulped it down without hesitation. How naive!"

Kingpin chuckled, then let out a sudden sigh.

Izanami startled at the unexpected sound. "Boss... is something wrong?"

Kingpin shook his head. "If only all my adversaries were this gullible."

Izanami silently lamented, Sure, because life hands out miracles like that every day.

Kingpin twirled the red ghost mask in his massive hands. "So if I put this on, I can control Daredevil?"

"Yes, boss!"

He raised the mask toward his face but paused midway, a half-smile playing across his features. "You aren't lying to me, are you?"

Izanami shuddered involuntarily. "Of course not, boss!"

Kingpin held his gaze for a long, uncomfortable moment before nodding. "Good."

At first, nothing unusual happened when he donned the red mask.

Both men exhaled in relief.

Then suddenly, dark demonic energy erupted from the mask's surface. It burrowed into Kingpin's flesh, slithering beneath his skin like shadowy serpents.

"Aaaghh!"

He released a guttural roar of agony. Izanami's eyes widened in horror. What was happening?

Kingpin's enormous frame dropped to his knees.

Inky blackness began to seep into his eyes.

But soon, his struggles ceased. He rose to his feet with an unsettling calm.

"Boss, are you okay?"

"Shh!"

Without answering, Kingpin lashed out with devastating force.

Izanami's head exploded like an overripe melon, his lifeless body collapsing to the floor.

"Idiot! You neglected to mention how excruciating the bonding process would be!"

The building continued to shake violently. Tables and chairs scraped against the floor, creating a cacophony of harsh, discordant sounds.

Kingpin methodically wiped the blood and brain matter from his hands.

In the distance, sporadic gunfire and explosions shattered the night's silence.

Chaos was spreading.

Through the windows, beneath the night sky, pinpoints of fire radiated outward from the Financial Building at its epicenter.

If one listened carefully, the night wind carried the sounds of curses, bestial roars, helpless cries, and agonized groans...

A twisted, maniacal smile distorted Kingpin's features. "Hahaha! Great Beast, your power has finally manifested! Soon, we shall rule this world!"

Chapter 54: The First Battle of New York: Who is the One Who Saves the World?

Jason escorted Alessa and her team back from the Dragon Bone chamber to the second underground floor of the Financial Building.

As they emerged, he heard a shout from below as David poked his head through the access hole leading to the sewers. "Boss, you finally made it up!"

"Why are you down there?" Jason asked.

David noticed the three women behind Jason and instinctively covered his chest with his hands. "The tremors are getting stronger by the minute. If you hadn't shown up soon, I was planning to make a run for it!"

"What's the situation with the battle upstairs?"

David shook his head vigorously. "It's over—more than half your Avengers team has been wiped out!"

Jason raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What? That quickly? Didn't Hawkeye join the fight?"

"That's precisely the problem!" David exclaimed. "Hawkeye got contaminated and controlled by the demon. Shot Wade right in the knee with an arrow. Then he rushed the defensive line and started killing indiscriminately—took down more than a dozen agents and cops before they managed to drop him with concentrated fire."

"May, Ward, and Rumlow from S.H.I.E.L.D. were also affected and turned on each other. When Wade saw this happening, he detonated a bunch of grenades, knocking them all unconscious—sent himself flying more than thirty feet in the process. Now only Blade and Black Widow are still standing!"

Jason was momentarily stunned. The Beast can corrupt minds too?

Although Barton was essentially the team mascot, his mental attributes were indeed subpar. I thought at least you'd be safe!

But Wade's actions troubled him. Since when did he become so self-sacrificing? That doesn't fit his character at all.

"Is Wade okay?" he asked.

David rolled his eyes. "Let's see—he's already in the terminal stages of cancer, took an arrow to the knee, got kicked twice by Daredevil, and then caught in his own explosion. The prognosis isn't great. Even if he somehow survived all that, he's probably been corrupted by the demon by now. Honestly... I don't think there's much point in trying to save him."

"Dammit!" Jason cursed. "If anything happens to Wade, I swear I'll make Nick Fury pay for it!"

"Uh... wasn't it Daredevil who beat him up?"

"The one who shot him was Barton, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, the ones who turned on each other were S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, and the ones who failed to protect him were S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Nick Fury bears undeniable responsibility for this mess!"

David considered this logic and nodded. Can't argue with that reasoning!

At that moment, another violent tremor shook the building, sending dust and fragments of stone raining down from the ceiling.

David's face went pale as he frantically waved his hand. "Boss, we need to get out of here fast, or we'll end up buried alive! Use the sewer system! The streets are completely compromised. Hundreds of thousands of people across more than a dozen blocks have been affected—they're becoming increasingly violent! The neighborhood closest to here has already started showing signs of cannibalism. This is literally hell on earth!"

Jason gestured to Alessa. "Escort David through the sewers and get to safety!"

"What about you?"

Jason shook his head and sighed dramatically. "I must fulfill the responsibility bestowed upon me by the heavens... and save the world!"

"What?" David's eyes widened in disbelief. "Boss, we're talking about actual demon here. Are you serious?"

In the square outside, the demonically enhanced Daredevil toyed with Blade and Black Widow like a cat playing with wounded mice.

Blade was drenched in blood. Even with his half-vampire physiology, he couldn't hold out much longer. His consciousness was fading, his body only functioning through sheer determination.

Natasha's condition was even worse.

Yet her eyes remained exceptionally clear, seemingly untainted by the demonic influence.

As a former Red Room operative who had survived the harshest training imaginable, her will had been forged in fire long ago.

But willpower alone couldn't bridge the gap in raw power.

Another powerful tremor shook the area. The glass windows of the Financial Building shattered one after another, fragments filling the air like crystalline rain.

Natasha knelt on the ground, clutching a tactical knife in her hand. Despite being a product of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s advanced technology, the blade was now notched and dulled.

Even in her state of exhaustion, her mind remained extraordinarily clear. Suddenly, everything around her seemed to slow down.

Blood gathered at the edge of her chin, suspended in time before dropping...

Blade was knocked away again, his eyes slowly dimming...

The sound of her own heartbeat pounded in her ears...

Perhaps it was her indomitable will affecting her body, but somehow her exhausted muscles responded. Her powerful legs exploded into action!

Wind rushed past her face as glass shards fell from the sky like deadly blades, but she didn't attempt to dodge them.

The fragments sliced across every exposed inch of skin, leaving crimson trails in their wake.

A droplet of blood smeared across her left eye, filling her vision with red, but her hand holding the tactical knife remained as steady as a veteran butcher's.

Thunk!

Perhaps it was the magnificent spectacle of glass fragments reflecting the bright red emergency lights that distracted Daredevil, but Natasha's American Ontario MK3 Navy knife plunged directly into his throat!

She didn't stop there. Continuing her momentum, she rushed to Daredevil's left side, her hand still gripping the knife's handle. Like a neon samurai performing a ritualistic execution, she yanked the blade sideways!

In an instant, she had nearly severed Daredevil's neck.

Natasha pressed on, driving the knife into Daredevil's back before her strength finally gave out. Her legs buckled, and she collapsed to her knees.

"Impressive performance, truly," came a calm voice from behind her.

Kingpin.

He stood in the doorway of the hall, a red ghost mask covering his face, having silently observed the confrontation between Black Widow and Daredevil.

"Unfortunately... it's all for nothing."

Before Natasha's horrified eyes, Daredevil bent his arm at an impossible angle and extracted the tactical knife from his back.

Then he straightened his head, which had been hanging limply due to his severed spine.

In an instant, black energy swirled around him, and the wounds—fatal a hundred times over to any normal human—began to heal.

"You're not participating in a battle between humans," Kingpin explained, "but a war between mortals and gods!"

He spread his arms wide, his voice brimming with fervor. "Look at this world! Look at this decaying city! Once glorious and magnificent, now reduced to ruins! The officials, the elites, the wealthy with their bestial hearts treat this place as their private playground! All their filth and refuse dumped here! They've made life unbearable for the common people! This city lacks order—a powerful order that everyone must obey!"

More explosions echoed in the distance, likely triggered by the recent earthquake.

The sky had turned a dark crimson, and the air reeked of smoke and burning materials.

A helicopter flew overhead in a hurry, but its destination clearly lay elsewhere.

It seemed everyone had forgotten about the battle raging here—forgotten that this very spot was the epicenter of the chaos engulfing the city.

"You'll never succeed!" Black Widow rasped, her voice hoarse but defiant. "Because in this world, there will always be heroes who stand up!"

Kingpin sneered. "I believe you're mistaken. No such thing exists in this world! Our corrupt and decadent society is the perfect proof of this!"

He waved dismissively. "Daredevil, kill them now."

Hearing the command, Daredevil tilted his head, studying Natasha with the predatory focus of a beast, and began walking toward her with measured steps.

Suddenly, several bright blue energy bolts streaked through the air, striking Daredevil and sending him flying backward! Black vapor dispersed from his body as the impact caused visible damage!

A distinctive voice with a commanding presence rang out: "I'm telling you, motherfucker, I'm the hero!"

Nick Fury had arrived!

Behind him stood Hill, an injured Coulson clutching his arm, and several other agents. They wielded strange weapons with an unmistakably advanced, almost alien design.

Kingpin laughed uproariously, as if he'd just heard the funniest joke. "Daredevil, have we been entertaining ourselves for too long? These insects actually believe they can challenge us? Let's educate them on reality!"

The moment those words left his lips, Daredevil surged forward, launching himself into the air. Mid-leap, black demonic energy erupted around him as he descended like a massive predator!

His speed was so overwhelming that Fury and his team couldn't even bring their weapons to bear in time.

"Oh shi—"

BOOM!

The impact sent Nick Fury flying like a ragdoll, his body soaring through the air trailing blood, his fate uncertain.

Kingpin's laughter echoed across the devastated square. "Now then! Who else wants to stop me? Who can stop me? Come on! I'm not afraid!"

"Uh..." an awkward voice suddenly interjected.

"Well... actually, I've been standing here watching for quite a while. You just didn't notice me, so I kept quiet. Kingpin, why don't you look behind you? I'm right here!"

Chapter 55: The First Battle of New York: I've Been Watching All Along

The moment Jason's voice cut through the air, Kingpin's laughter died in his throat.

He whirled around, coming face to face with the man who had been haunting his nightmares. His massive body visibly trembled, disbelief etched across his features. "Why are you here? No—how are you still alive?"

Jason stood before him, wearing only a pair of shorts he'd commandeered from David. His muscular torso gleamed in the chaotic light of the burning city. He'd fashioned the rest of his clothing into a makeshift headpiece—crude but unmistakably designed with a mechanical aesthetic.

Black Widow, still kneeling on the ground, caught sight of him. A glimmer of recognition flashed in her eyes before her body finally surrendered to exhaustion, collapsing to the ground.

Jason inwardly sighed. What I told her that day must have affected her deeply. This woman possessed an incredible force of will—even when gravely injured and completely drained, she showed no signs of demonic corruption.

Kingpin stared at Jason, seemingly questioning whether the figure before him was real or some demonic illusion.

"How long have you been watching?" he demanded.

"Well, I was here when you delivered that fascinating speech about this city being a toilet for officials, elites, and wealthy businessmen," Jason replied with mocking admiration. "Such a unique perspective—original and thought-provoking. I was thoroughly entertained!"

"Since you've been here all this time, why haven't you tried to stop me?"

"Why would I stop you?"

Kingpin glanced at the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents scattered nearby—some unconscious, others moaning in pain. "Aren't you working with them?"

"Not even slightly."

Kingpin's eyes narrowed. "You know, despite the considerable trouble you've caused me, I could still accept your surrender."

Jason smiled and shook his head. "That's where we fundamentally differ. I never once considered letting you live."

Kingpin nodded slowly. "Then we have nothing more to discuss. What a pity. But before we proceed, allow me to express my sincere congratulations on your survival. After all, now I'll have the pleasure of killing you with my own hands."

"Come on then," Jason grinned. "I'm already excited!"

With a casual wave of Kingpin's hand, Daredevil launched forward like a missile, the ground cracking beneath his feet from the explosive force.

Watching his approaching figure, Jason remained calm. With a thought, he activated his flash ability, releasing a blinding burst of light directly in Daredevil's face.

It had absolutely no effect. Daredevil's fist continued its whistling trajectory toward Jason's face.

Only when they were inches apart did Jason realize his mistake. "Shit—did I just try to blind someone who's already blind?"

He raised his hand with lightning speed, catching Daredevil's fist in his palm and holding it firmly.

Daredevil struggled to break free and threw another punch, which Jason caught just as easily.

Jason extended his arms, and Daredevil couldn't resist his superior strength. They stood face-to-face, Daredevil's arms stretched out in a cruciform position.

Staring into Daredevil's eyes from mere inches away, Jason raised an eyebrow. "Ding dong! Is Daredevil home? Time to wake up—the sun's already shining on your ass!"

With that, he smashed his forehead into Daredevil's face. The impact sent Daredevil's head snapping backward, but Jason maintained his grip, pulling him back into position.

Jason examined Daredevil's face and eyes again—no change whatsoever.

Tsk, seems like Daredevil really can't find his way home.

Forget it. After being possessed by this magic, he qualifies as gold-level target. I'll kill him and claim another gift package. There's no alternative—I have no method to wake him up, and he's becoming a genuine threat to public safety. If this continues much longer, every crematorium in the Big Apple will be working overtime next month.

Jason paused, frowning. Hmm? Why do I suddenly see a massive business opportunity there?

Shaking off the morbid thought, he stopped holding back. With one powerful kick, he sent Daredevil flying. His eyes widened as electricity crackled around his body.

"BOOM!"

Violent thunder erupted from Jason's form, a silver dragon of pure electrical energy slamming into Daredevil with devastating force.

Daredevil released a shrill, inhuman howl. His skin cracked open, flesh torn and bloodied, white bone visible beneath.

Black energy poured from his body like smoke, twisting and writhing as if alive. Jason's lightning scattered the dark essence momentarily, but it regathered almost instantly. As soon as his electrical assault ended, the black mist reattached itself to Daredevil's body.

His grievously wounded form began to heal before Jason's eyes, returning to normal with unnatural speed.

"Hahaha! You didn't actually believe your little lightning trick could control everything, did you? How naïve!" Kingpin leaned casually on his cane, watching Jason with amusement, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Jason regarded him silently before raising his hand and directing several lightning bolts straight at Kingpin.

Kingpin didn't even attempt to move—he merely laughed.

The lightning reduced his white suit to ashes, revealing a dark golden metallic vest beneath.

The electricity struck him but seemed to have minimal effect.

Kingpin remained perfectly composed. "I've known about your electrical abilities for quite some time. Allow me to formally introduce you to... Vibranium armor!" He smirked. "With insulation properties, of course."

Well, that's just bullshit.

Jason had anticipated this development. Upon arriving at the scene, he'd noticed that not only had Daredevil become gold-level target, but Kingpin had also been upgraded from silver to gold tier. Energy similar to the black mist surrounding Daredevil now coursed through Kingpin's body as well!

Some significant change had occurred that Jason wasn't fully aware of.

While engaging Daredevil, he would need to remain vigilant about the smiling fat man observing from the sidelines.

This is a precarious situation.

If both opponents were standard gold-level threats like Black Wolf Spider, Jason wouldn't be particularly concerned. But it was obvious that even among target of the same classification, there could be vast differences in power.

Daredevil's attacks weren't especially threatening on their own.

What gave Jason a headache was the man's apparent indestructibility—wrapped in that black energy, his injuries regenerated almost instantly, allowing him to continuously harass Jason without consequence.

This must be how Wolverine's enemies feel when facing him.

We can't keep this stalemate going indefinitely. I might be able to hold out, but what about the citizens of New York?

At this rate, not only will the city's crematoriums be overwhelmed, they'll need to dig mass graves just to keep up.

Jason vaguely recalled a potential method for countering the "Beast's" power—dragon chi!

Dragon chi supposedly possessed two completely different properties. Beyond its destructive capabilities, it also contained an aspect rich with vitality and restorative power. It could heal wounds and counteract certain magical influences.

However, despite possessing dragon chi for some time now, Jason had never sensed any "vital aspect" within it. His dragon chi functioned primarily as an ability amplifier, specifically for combat purposes.

As he contemplated this dilemma, he suddenly remembered the 114 unassigned attribute points in his system.

Time to take a gamble!

In an instant, he communicated with the system and allocated all remaining points to his will attribute!

His will attribute surged to 273!

Without hesitation, he activated Dragon Chi: Burst!

Only in this heightened state could he fully perceive the dynamic power flowing through his body.

Perhaps it was indeed his newly enhanced mental strength that allowed him to notice it for the first time: while the dragon chi dramatically increased his strength and speed, it was simultaneously repairing muscle fibers damaged by the explosive exertion. This ability had never been actively engaged before, with only minimal dragon chi naturally directed toward this regenerative function.

So that's how it works.

With just a simple shift in understanding and application, the dragon chi could manifest two entirely different properties.

Fascinating!

A smile crept across Jason's face as he watched Daredevil charging toward him again. Time for round two, Hornhead!

At that moment, perhaps growing impatient or sensing a shift in the battle's dynamics, Kingpin frowned and moved to join Daredevil's assault.

As Jason's mind raced with new possibilities, he released a series of small electrical discharges around Kingpin's head.

The crime lord's massive skull momentarily lit up like a human light bulb.

Jason seized the opportunity, driving a powerful kick directly into Kingpin's chest with every ounce of his enhanced strength.

Kingpin's enormous body flew backward like a clumsy lead weight, crashing to the ground and tumbling several yards away.

Now free to focus, Jason used his superior speed to position himself directly in front of Daredevil.

One punch. Two punches. Each strike delivered with such force that it would rupture an ordinary man's internal organs.

After temporarily neutralizing Daredevil's ability to resist, Jason stood before him, extended his index finger, and tapped it against Daredevil's forehead.

In that instant, thunder roared once more!